This Is How The Mazda Miata Changed The Automotive Scenery Forever

Every so often, a car comes along that redefines the class. The Mazda Miata is one such car. This little, unassuming roadster cheerfully injected some much-needed simplicity into the sports car market.

Mazda has produced over one million Miatas. Such is the legendary model's popularity, and the company as also developed and refined the model multiple times since its introduction in 1989. Whether you're looking for your first sports car, a weekend car, or something ripe for modification, you can't go wrong with the Miata. It's brimming with pure, light-hearted fun.

Mazda knows a thing or two about building sports cars. In the late '80s and early '90s, we received absolute gems like the FC and FD RX-7s, and in the motorsport world, we got to experience the howl of the legendary Le Mans-winning 787B. Among these, Mazda released the Miata, and in some ways, it has been the most influential of them all.

Off the back of the Miata, there was a roadster renaissance. Alfa Romeo came along with the Spider and Porsche released the Boxster. There was also the MG MGF, Lotus Elise, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Honda S2000. It's worth considering that perhaps none of these cars would have come to be if it wasn't for the popularity of the Miata.

Taking a closer look at the Mazda Miata, it's a remarkably simple recipe. That's not to say it isn't cleverly designed. It's a very well-engineered car with a clear focus on the driving experience. The Miata has a front-engine rear-wheel drive layout, a manual transmission, two seats and not a lot else. On the early models, there aren't any driver aids like anti-lock brakes, nor is there much technology at all. No electric windows or cruise control. Coming in at around 2,100 lbs, this is a lightweight machine with the sole intention of driving.

Under the hood, there was the option of a 1.6-liter or 1.8-liter motor, putting out 116 hp and 129 hp respectively. Due to the low curb weight, this is plenty of power to have some fun. You can drive the Miata hard without really getting into trouble and the handling is the stuff of dreams. With perfect 50:50 weight distribution and independent suspension on all four corners, the Miata loves cornering. The feel through the seat and steering wheel is so direct that you can tell exactly how the car is responding to the road. You can really sense the 'jinba ittai' nature of the Miata, and forging this connection between driver and car is addictive and truly rewarding.